Jorja Smith announced as first headliner for Rocking the Daisies 2026 in South Africa
British singer-songwriter Jorja Smith is officially heading to South Africa for the first time after being announced as one of the headline acts for Rocking the Daisies 2026.
Festival organisers confirmed the news this week, revealing that Smith will perform at the three-day event scheduled for October 2 to 4 at Cloof Wine Estate in Cape Town.
The announcement marks a major moment for South African fans who have long hoped to see the award-winning artist perform live in the country.
Known for her soulful voice, introspective songwriting and genre-blending sound, Smith has built an international fanbase through acclaimed projects including Lost & Found and Falling or Flying.
Tracks such as Blue Lights, Be Honest and February 3rd have helped establish her as one of the most recognisable R&B voices of her generation.
Over the years, she has also collaborated with major global artists including Drake, Burna Boy, Black Coffee and South Africa’s Major League DJz.
While many fans welcomed the announcement, reactions online have been mixed.
Ahead of the reveal, Rocking the Daisies had teased fans with cryptic visuals on social media, sparking widespread speculation that artists such as SZA or Ravyn Lenae could be announced.
As a result, some social media users expressed disappointment when Smith was unveiled as the headline act.
Several fans argued that while Smith remains respected in the industry, they had expected a more commercially dominant or currently trending artist for the coveted headliner slot.
Despite the criticism, others defended the choice, pointing to Smith’s strong catalogue, live performance reputation and international appeal.
Rocking the Daisies has developed a reputation as one of Africa’s leading music festivals, regularly attracting major global acts and generating strong social media buzz.
Previous editions have featured artists including Kehlani and Summer Walker, helping cement the festival’s status as a major event on South Africa’s entertainment calendar.
The 2026 edition continues under its Welcome to the Garden theme, promising a mix of music, lifestyle experiences, curated food offerings and immersive installations.
Festival organisers have confirmed that more artists will be announced in the coming weeks, with first-phase tickets already available.
As anticipation builds, Smith’s South African debut is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about festival moments of the year.
